For immediate release
Online Radio Station AJK Radio raises awareness of autism for World Autism Awareness Week
AJK Radio is taking part in The National Autistic Society’s World Autism Awareness Week 2017 and helping to transform the lives of autistic people in the UK.
Alex, has chosen to get involved because he has an autistic son, which was the reason AJK Radio launched Christmas Day 2015.
During World Autism Awareness Week, Alex and the station will be trying to raise as much money for the charity with live broadcasts throughout the week
Over 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum, a lifelong disability which affects how a person communicates with and relates to others, as well how they see the world. It is a spectrum condition and affects everyone differently, which means that each person on the spectrum will have very different support needs.
Last year, The National Autistic Society launched their Too Much Information campaign because they found that a lack of public understanding was leaving autistic people and their families socially isolated. Fifty per cent of autistic people and their families told us they sometimes or often didn’t go out because they were worried about how people would react to their autism, and many people told us of occasions where people had tutted or stared at them or their family.
Alex said: “It’s hard living with someone who is Autistic, and this is me doing my bit” I’m really excited to be fundraising for The National Autistic Society during World Autism Awareness Week.
“It’s such a great chance to get involved and raise awareness, understanding and money for the charity! I’m so grateful for the support everyone’s given me and feel really touched.”
Mark Lever, Chief Executive of The National Autistic Society, said:
“It’s wonderful that Alex is taking part in the 2017 World Autism Awareness Week.
“We hear from lots of autistic people and their families that judgemental stares and remarks from strangers can leave them feeling isolated. We know that the public doesn’t set out to be judgemental towards autistic people, it’s that they often don’t understand autism.
“This is why it’s so amazing and we’re really grateful when people like [your name] get involved with World Autism Awareness Week and not only raise money for us to continue the vital work that we do, but also to increase understanding and awareness in their local communities.”
ENDS
For more information and to donate to Alex’s fundraising page head over to www.ajkradio.moonfruit.com
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The National Autistic Society
- The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families. Founded in 1962, it provides information, support and pioneering services, and campaigns for a better world for people on the autism spectrum.
- To find out more about autism or The National Autistic Society, visit autism.org.uk.
- Follow The National Autistic Society on Twitter (@Autism) or Facebook (facebook.com/NationalAutisticSociety).
What is autism?
- Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.
- More than 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum, including an estimated 700,000 people in the UK.
- Every person on the autism spectrum is different. It can present some serious challenges – but, with the right support and understanding, autistic people and their families can live full lives.
- Although everyone is different, people on the autism spectrum may:
- be under or oversensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours, which can make everyday life extremely difficult
- find social situations and change a challenge, sometimes leading to extreme levels of anxiety
- experience a ‘meltdown’ if overwhelmed by anxiety or sensory overload
- benefit from extra time to process and respond to communication.
- Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.
World Autism Awareness Week
- World Autism Awareness Week aims to increase public understanding of autism and is from 27 March to 2 April, ending on World Autism Awareness Day.
- The National Autistic Society is encouraging schools, workplaces and individuals or families to get involved and fundraise for the charity. To find out more, visit
http://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/world-autism-awareness-week.aspx.
Too Much Information
- The National Autistic Society’s Too Much Information campaign launched on World Autism Awareness Day in 2016.
- The campaign aims to increase public understanding of autism, so people can recognise autistic behaviour, and respond with empathy.
- To find out more about the Too Much Information campaign visit: autism.org.uk/TMI
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